Mount Union Area School District School Counseling Program

Program Philosophy

The Mount Union Area School District K-12 School Counseling Program is a comprehensive and collaborative approach that includes students, families, community and professional staff. The program supports the District’s mission as it promotes access and equity for all students. School Counseling in MU is designed to facilitate each student’s educational, career, and social and personal development. School Counselors strive to identify and reduce the effects of environmental and institutional barriers that impede students’ academic success. School Counseling services are developmental in nature and are recognized as an integral part of the total educational program. As a member of school-based teams, the counselor fosters self-awareness and encourages students to be effective problem solvers who demonstrate respect, work ethically and contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Program Goals

Program goals are organized in three developmental domains and are aligned with those of the American School Counseling Association. The counseling staff is one component of the District’s service delivery system to accomplish these goals. The collaborative work of our teachers, parents, agency representatives and all members of the school community is needed to support our students in reaching these goals.

Academic Goals

1. To help students understand themselves as learners and encourage them to develop
skills that will enable them to reach their academic potential.

2. To utilize a variety of measures to assess student academic performance.

3. To identify factors that impact learning and determine a course of action to provide appropriate support.

Career Goals

1. To help students choose and advance in a program that will enable them to reach their
future academic and career goals.

2. To provide students with the opportunity to assess personal interests and aptitudes in
relation to career interest.

3. To help students discover the world of work through various career resources and exposure to a broad spectrum of careers.

2. To assist students to be aware of one’s beliefs and interests and to develop a positive
self-image.

3. To assist students in developing resiliency and effective coping skills.

4. To assist students to develop appropriate problem-solving and decision making skills to resolve conflicts and to accept responsibility for their choices.

School counselors work toward these goals for students through classroom based or large group sessions and small support groups for students on a variety of topics such as “changing families”, grief and loss, friendship/social skills, healthy lifestyles and self-esteem. Counselors may also work individually with students to assist them in solving problems and coping with situations that may be affecting school performance. Counselors may also meet with students with special needs to provide services related to individualized student goals.

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